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ELEMENTS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION
Communication 120 Fall 2011 Section 4388; T/Th 330 – 445pm
Elements of Human Communication
Lisa Stefani
Voice Mail (619) 644-7454 ext. 3926
Website: http://www.globalcommunicationonline.com
E-mail: Lstef28@aol.com
(Note: If you send me an e-mail, be sure to include the following subject line to avoid having your e-mail
deleted or sent to the spam folder: (Comm 120, Your name, Your section number)
The heart has eyes that the brain knows nothing of.
C.H. Parkhurst
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to interpersonal
communication that reflects the fascinating nature and important role of this topic
in our lives. We have relationships in all areas of our lives – work, home, school.
It would behoove us all to improve our interpersonal communication abilities. The
ultimate goal is to provide you with the motivation, knowledge, and skills to
improve your relationships with others. This course should offer you all three.
TEXTBOOK: Required
Sandlin, J. A. (2009). Now That’s Ridiculous! Nevada: Ready Or Not Press.
Available at: http://www.readyornotpress.com
Optional:
Adler, R.B., & Proctor, R.F. (2011). Looking Out Looking In (13th). USA;
Thompson Wadsworth.
ASSIGNMENTS:
PART I
T August 23
TH August 25
T Aug 30
Th Sept 1
T Sept 6:
TH Sept 8
T Sept 13
Th Sept 15
WHAT GOES IN . . . .
Syllabus/ Roll Call/Books/Calendar
Readings: Chapter 1
Finalize roster/Start Chapter 1
Lecture: Interpersonal Relationships
Readings: Chapter 2
Lecture: Intrapersonal Communication
Finish lecture; Film, “The Doctor.”
Finish Film, “The Doctor.”
Readings: Chapter 3
Lecture: Communication and Perception
Finish Lecture
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Readings: Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
T Sept 20
Lecture: Communication and Managing Emotions
Readings: Chapter 7
Th Sept 22
Finish Lecture
Discuss Assignment: I Saw it With My Own Eyes Collage and Presentation
T Sept 27
Homework Assignments Chapters 1 – 7 due
PART II
MUST COME OUT . . .
Th Sept 29
Lecture: Language
Readings: Chapter 8
Chapter 9
T October 4
Lecture: Nonverbal Communication
Readings: Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Th Oct 6 Homework Assignments Chapters 8 – 11 Due
T Oct 11 Movie: “The Negotiator”
Th Oct 13
Movie: “The Negotiator”
T Oct 18 Collage Presentations
Readings: Chapter 12
Th Oct 20
Collage Presentations
Readings: Chapter 13
T Oct 25 Collage Presentations
Readings: Chapter 14
Th Oct 27
Collage Presentations
Readings: Chapter 15
T Nov 1
Collage Presentations
PART III
COMING TOGETHER AND FALLING APART
Th Nov 3
Lecture: In and Out of Love
T Nov 8
Finish Lecture
Th Nov 10
Lecture: Ineffective Communication
T Nov 15
Lecture: Non Defensive Conflict Resolution
Th Nov 17
Finish Lecture
T Nov 22
Homework Assignment Chapters 12 – 15 Due
Readings: Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Th Nov 24
HOLIDAY THANKSGIVING
PART IV
WHAT NOW?
T Nov 29
Lecture: Improving Communication
Th Dec 1
Homework Assignments Chapters 16 – 19 Due
T Dec 6
Film: “The Story of Us”
Th Dec 8
Film: “The Story of Us”
Final Exam:
Cumulative; Chapters 1 – 19 and all lecture notes Tuesday December 13, 2011. 330 –
530pm
COLLAGE REQUIREMENTS
You will prepare an art collage based on the notion that “I SAW IT WITH MY
OWN EYES.” Information, and reading, from chapter 5, as well as supplemental
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lecture material on visualization and the power of the brain will serve as
background conceptual material. You will use magazine pictures, art, and
drawings to complete this project. Minimum size requirement is 11 by 14 inches.
The idea behind the collage is for you to be able to clearly see what it is that you
want out of life. For example, if you want to become a doctor, I expect to see a
picture of a doctor on your collage. If you want to get your bachelor’s degree, I
expect to see a time schedule of when and how you will accomplish this. If you
want to get married and have a family, I expect to see a picture of a family. If you
want to drive a Mercedes, I expect to see one on your collage. You will give an
oral presentation of your collage to the class.
HOMEWORK PAPER REQUIREMENTS
Each chapter of your e-book, “Now That’s Ridiculous!” has homework questions.
After reading the chapter and attending the lecture, you will answer the questions
at the end of each chapter for submission. No one line answers please. Answer
each question completely and thoroughly. The assignments are designed to help
you improve communication in relationships. You are expected to complete
every assignment in the e-book as we go though the class. Assignments will be
submitted at the completion of each of the four sections of the e-book. They
should be typed, double spaced and follow the format of question/response in
essay. These homework assignments are worth a total of 50% of your grade, so
you don’t want to miss any or turn in assignments with one sentence answers.
FINAL EXAM
Your final exam will cover Chapter’s 1-19 in your e-book, “Now That’s
Ridiculous!,” and all lecture notes. The final is cumulative.
GRADING
Homework Assignments Chapters: 1-7
Homework Assignments Chapters 8-11
Homework Assignments Chapters 12-15
Homework Assignments Chapters 16-19
Collage and Presentation
Final Examination
20%
15%
15%
15%
20%
15%
ATTENDANCE
Mandatory. I will take roll every day. Excused absences require Doctor Note or
Work Note on Letterhead.
LATEWORK
Not accepted.
Accommodations for students with disabilities:
Student with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor
and contact Disabled Student Services and Programs (DSP&S) early in the semester so that reasonable
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accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSP&S in person in room
11D or by phone at 619-644-7112 (voice) or (619( 644-7119 ) (TTY for deaf).
Supervised Tutoring Referral
Students are referred to enroll in the following supervised tutoring courses if the service indicated will assist
them in achieving or reinforcing the learning objectives of this course:
IDS 198, Supervised Tutoring to receive tutoring in general computer applications in the
Tech Mall
English 198W, Supervised Tutoring for assistance in the English Writing Center (Room
70-119): and or IDS 198T, Supervised Tutoring to receive one-on-one tutoring in
academic subjects in the tutoring center (Room 70-229, 644-7387).
Academic Integrity Statement Approved by the Senate:
The faculty, administration, and staff of Grossmont College, in creating a culture of academic excellence,
value honesty and integrity in all aspects of learning, working and participating in the college community.
Moreover, we believe that those who value learning would never view cheating (copying or otherwise
presenting work that is not one’s own) and plagiarism (presenting another writer’s ideas, materials, images
or words as one’s own without proper citation) as viable choices within an academic environment. It is
incumbent on faculty, in particular, to communicate expectations to students with regard to academic
honesty in each class and it is the responsibility of each student to understand the actions and behaviors that
constitute cheating or academic dishonesty within each class as well as in other venues on campus. Students
are encouraged to ask questions of their instructors and are expected to read the college’s statement on
Academic Fraud (located in the class schedule). Penalties for actions inconsistent with classroom, library,
and college expectations for academic integrity range from a failing grade on an assignment, exam, pr
project (which may lead to a failing grade in the course) to, under certain conditions, suspension, or
expulsion from a class, program, or the college. For more information, please consult with your instructor or
contact the office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.
Subject Learning Objectives
At the end of the semester, students completing Comm 120 with a grade of C or
better will be able to:
1. Analyze conflict in an interpersonal relationship and apply methods of
conflict resolution. Assessment: Essay or assignment.
2. Analyze how the self concept is formed and its impact on relationships.
Assessment: Essay or assignment.
3. Evaluate language use and how it affects the relational climate as well as
intrapersonal communication. Assessment: Essay or assignment.
4. Demonstrate effective goal setting skills. Assessment: Collage preparation
and oral presentation.
5. Apply fundamental concepts of effective communication to real life
situations: Assessment: Essay or Assignment.
Important dates:
September 2: Last day to drop without a W and last day to apply for a refund
September 23: Last day to apply for credit/no credit for semester length courses.
November 10: Last day to drop semester length classes.
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